[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 4, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING UPVALLEY FAMILY CENTERS OF NAPA COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 4, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
UpValley Family Centers of Napa County on its fifteenth anniversary for 
its dedicated service to our many communities of Napa County.
  UpValley Family Centers of Napa County (UVFC) was created nearly 20 
years ago by dedicated Calistoga residents who aimed to create a local 
organization to help families access resources safely and conveniently. 
This goal has become their mission. UpValley Family Centers exists to 
provide guidance, support and resources for community members so they 
are able to improve their lives. UpValley Family Centers maintains 
strong partnerships with local organizations, schools, government 
agencies and private sector businesses to enable our up-valley 
communities to create opportunities for themselves.
  UpValley Family Centers is committed to providing services that are 
culturally and linguistically sensitive. Over 80 percent of its staff 
is bilingual and bicultural and has extensive experience working with 
diverse communities. UVFC is committed to its prevention-focused, 
strengths-based approach. Staff members travel to meet clients in 
convenient locations and provide services that are based on the 
community's identified needs and interests. UpValley Family Centers 
aims to encourage and teach clients how to use their personal strengths 
to build a stronger community.
  UpValley Family Centers has offices in Calistoga and St. Helena and 
is a centralized organization for people seeking information, tools, 
and services to improve their lives. It provides services to low-income 
working families and individuals of all ages through a multitude of 
programs, including early education, immigration assistance, youth 
mentorship, ESL classes, financial literacy programs, referrals to 
local health and wellness resources, among others. UVFC is also an 
emergency assistance and disaster response services provider. UpValley 
Family Centers is a second responder that was critical after the Valley 
Fire of 2015 and the Napa Complex Fires of October 2017. In the 
aftermath of those fires, UVFC worked to ensure that all up-valley 
households who were impacted by the fires were connected with the 
services they needed.
  Mr. Speaker, UpValley Family Centers aims to ensure people in our 
community are supported, valued and able to create the future they want 
for themselves, their families and our community. It is therefore 
fitting and proper that we recognize it for fifteen years of service.

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